Polar Bear Shot And Killed ‘In An Act Of Self Defense,’ Cruise Ship Company Says

A polar bear attacked and injured a polar bear guard who was leading tourists off a cruise ship on the Svalbard archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. The polar bear was shot dead by another employee, the cruise company said.

Gustav Busch Arntsen / AP

A photograph shows a polar bear lying lifeless on a beach; mouth slightly agape, a ring of blood on its neck.

Norwegian authorities confirmed the bear was shot and killed on Saturday.

It happened on the northernmost island of Svalbard archipelago, a region between mainland Norway and the North Pole known for polar bears and ice caps. In recent years, the area has become a popular destination for arctic tourism, especially during the summer months.